Silver Peacock Obsidian
Volcanic glass (~70-75% SiO2) with magnetite nanoparticle layers
A natural sheen obsidian combining a bright silver shimmer with iridescent peacock colors, all produced by nanoparticle layers in black glass.
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Color
- Black body with silvery, peacock-like multicolor sheen
- Type
- igneous
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Overview
Silver Peacock Obsidian is a trade name for sheen obsidian that pairs a bright silver sheen with patches of iridescent peacock color (blues, greens, golds). The underlying stone is black volcanic glass; the silvery and rainbow effects are optical, appearing on the polished surface when tilted.
This is a natural material, not dyed glass. It blends the characteristics of silver-sheen obsidian and rainbow obsidian in a single piece, hence the "peacock" marketing name.
It is sought after for its lively, shifting play of metallic and colored light.
Formation & geology
Like other sheen obsidians, it forms when high-silica lava quenches to glass while holding aligned nanoscale magnetite particles and gas/inclusion layers. A dense, evenly oriented sheet of nanoparticles reflects light as a uniform silvery sheen, while slightly varied layer spacing adds peacock-like interference colors.
The combination requires particular flow and cooling conditions, and the effect is revealed only when the glass is cut parallel to the nanoparticle layers. Sources include Mexico and the western United States.
How to identify it
Sheen: Bright silver shimmer overlaid with shifting blue-green-gold peacock flashes; black body color.
Luster: Vitreous; conchoidal fracture.
Hardness: ~5-6.
Streak: White (grayish).
Look-alikes: Hematite and specular minerals give a metallic look but are heavier and opaque, not glassy. Labradorite flashes but is a cleavable feldspar. Silver peacock obsidian is black glass with a surface sheen and conchoidal fracture, and the sheen vanishes at the wrong angle.
Uses & significance
Silver Peacock Obsidian is used for cabochons, spheres, beads, pendants, and carvings, with cutters orienting the rough to capture both the silver and peacock effects. Strongly multicolored pieces are especially prized.
Metaphysically it is linked to protection, clarity, and reflection, traditional rather than scientific claims. Its genuine value lies in the natural optical display, which makes well-cut pieces popular with collectors and lapidaries.
Frequently asked questions
Is silver peacock obsidian natural?
Yes. The silver and peacock colors are natural optical effects from nanoparticle layers, not dye.
What gives it both silver and rainbow colors?
Dense aligned magnetite nanoparticles create the silver sheen, while varied layer spacing adds iridescent peacock interference colors.
Why does the sheen come and go?
It is an orientation-dependent surface effect; tilting the stone or cutting it correctly reveals the colors.
Is it valuable?
More than plain obsidian; well-oriented, strongly multicolored pieces are sought by collectors.
Silver Peacock Obsidian guides
In-depth guides for identifying, valuing, and understanding Silver Peacock Obsidian.
Silver Peacock Obsidian identified by the community
Real specimens identified with Rock Identifier.
